Blockchain, AI and 5G are transforming technology and driving innovation at an accelerated pace. Safe and faster connections are the need of the hour for businesses and the day-to-day life of consumers. In this scenario, Jessica Rosenworcel believes that blockchain and AI will give the US an edge over its ultimate tech rival China in next-generation wireless networking.

Who is Jessica Rosenworcel and what's her view regarding blockchain and 5G?

Jessica Rosenworcel is an American attorney and commissioner at US Federal communications Commission. Technology Review reported that speaking at an event organized by MIT Media Lab's Digital Currency Initiative, Rosenworcel said machine learning will help devices and 5G networks to share and negotiate over the wireless spectrum.

Blockchain and AI technology would allow devices to use different frequencies within the wireless spectrum more flexibly and dynamically which will enable billions of devices to connect to 5G networks at once.

She added that currently the spectrum is divided up for different uses. Although this model allows for avoiding interference, it's not the most efficient way to use airwaves.

What is 5G and how does it operate?

5G (short for fifth-generation) is a commonly used term for advanced wireless systems that allow devices to connect in a variety of ways over the wireless spectrum.

The 5G network operates with a speed of up to 20 gigabytes per second which should allow smartphones to run high-quality virtual-reality applications and download movies in seconds.

With greater capacity, 5G should also let more devices to connect to the internet at once.

What are the concerns of the US about 5G?

The White House seems deeply concerned that it might lose its position as a tech leader in 5G, which will have severe consequences on its economy as well. According to The Diplomat, this worry has also caused scrutiny of Huawei by the US, which is one of China's most prominent companies.

Regarding 5G, Rosenworcel expressed her worry at an MIT event, "I am concerned that we are not positioned to lead." But she added that with the help of blockchain and AI, the US could stay competitive with China in wireless technology. "I don't think of it as immediate future of wireless, but it might be the far future," she says.

Interest is growing all around the world to use Artificial Intelligence to help advance wireless technologies, but no one has yet made a breakthrough in 5G networks.

Not everyone agrees with Rosenworcel's opinion about the use of AI in 5G. Muriel Medard who is a professor of electrical engineering at MIT believes that more is needed than just finding new ways to manage the spectrum using blockchain or AI. She emphasized 'coding' schemes which determine how bundles of information get routed. She said using blockchain may be fundamentally worthwhile but there is a need for new technology too.